Sen. Bob Menendez
Robert (Bob) Menendez Democratic senators urge Biden to take executive action against phantom weapons. Biden postpones punishing the Saudi Crown Prince, although the US Senate confirms that Thomas-Greenfield is a UN ambassador. MOST (DN.J.) beat GOP Sen. Ron Johnson
Ronald (Ron) Harold JohnsonRon Johnson: ‘No racism involved’ in comments on Capitol riot Meghan McCain and Joy Behar discuss whether antifa ‘exists’ Wisconsin Senate candidate discusses new approach to organized work MORE(Wis.) ‘S recent comments on the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill, calling them “harmful”, “racist” and inferior to the Senate.
“Look, I think no one likes to be called a racist, but sometimes there is simply no other way to describe the use of fanatical tropes that have threatened black lives for generations, fueling the white fear of African Americans and black men in particular. “Menendez said in a speech to the Senate floor.
Menéndez’s impetuous speech – outside the character of the normally Senate club, where even questioning a colleague’s motives could be a violation of the rules – was in response to Johnson’s recent comments that sparked a wave of controversy.
Johnson, speaking earlier this month to a conservative radio host, said he was not afraid during the January 6 riot, when a pro-Trump crowd violently violated the Capitol building, but if “these tens of thousands of Black Lives matter and antifa protesters, I must have been a little concerned. “
Menendez, referring to comments from the Senate floor, asked: “Isn’t that racism?”
“I don’t think the senator ignores the fact that for centuries in this country, white supremacy has prospered by using fear to justify oppression, discrimination and violence against people of color,” said Menendez. “I, however, think that my colleagues can ignore the pain caused by their comments and how they exacerbate the trauma that so many still feel after the January 6 events.”
Menendez read a letter from an official offended by Johnson’s rhetoric and noted that “thousands of people of color” work at the Capitol complex.
“Each member of this body owes their work to the sacrifices made that afternoon by Capitol police, including officers of color,” said Menendez.
A spokesman for Johnson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Johnson defended his comments, saying during a radio interview this week that “there was no racism” in his previous comments.
“It has nothing to do with race. It’s all about riots, ”Johnson told WISN-AM of Milwaukee, according to The Associated Press. “I didn’t think anyone could interpret what I said as a racist. It is not.”
Still, the Wisconsin Republican got a negative reaction from others in Congress.
GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger
Adam Daniel Kinzinger Ron Johnson: ‘There is no racism involved’ in comments on Capitol riots. Former Fox News host, considering running against the Republican Party ruler The eight Republicans who voted to increase gun background checks MORE (Ill.) He called Johnson’s opening remarks “absolutely ridiculous”, while the majority leader in the House Steny Hoyer
Steny Hamilton HoyerThis week: Democrats are eyeing the next step after the coronavirus bill’s victory. (D-Md.) Said Tuesday they were a “racist statement.”
Menendez added during his speech that Johnson’s remarks were like “rubbing salt on an open wound”.
“Everyone in this body should know that when you perpetuate such racist troops, you contribute to a culture that gives people permission to treat black Americans as suspects and their lives as expendable. We, in the United States Senate, must subject ourselves to a standard top position, “he said.
“I hope that the members of this body on both sides of the corridor will join me to ensure that we do not demote this institution,” he added.